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By Trina J. Astor One indispensible part of every wedding is the photographer. Not only does he capture your images on film but if he is artistic, he photo- graphs the soul of your wedding day, the joy, lace and flowers; and the love-glint in your eyes. How do you choose one who will photograph your wedding not as just another wedding, but with the uniqueness that you project? The first step is to consult each photo- grapher by telephone to acquaint yourself with price ranges. Talk about service and note willing- ness to help. Then visit studios, and look at tographs of other -'weddings. Look for colour quality, the way the people stand, and if their expressions seem relaxed and happy. Remember, they are looking at the photo- grapher. If they felt comfortable, their expressions will be relaxed. Look at the albums included with the prices. Do you get a complete coverage for a set price? Or are there nicer albums for extra money along with inserts, hearts, ovals and special effects? Are there extra charges for time after three hours? Is retouching included? Who will photograph your wedding, a trained professional, or some- one who is still learning. Do they ask for a substantial deposit which binds you and your time through written receipt, or do they just say, "Your word is as good as mine." In peak wedding months a photographer could sometimes book many weddings at one time. The photographer can only be at one place at one time. If he bas others working for him, as most do, he allots a specific photographer for a specific wedding right after you book your wedding. This ensures that a capable person has set aside time, specifically for your wedding and nothing else. This is why the deposit is so important. If you should book your wedding twelve or six months in advance, as many do, then cancel for some reason, two months prior, the photo- grapher has either lost, out on not being able to book someone else for. that time, or he still has to pay the person whom he hired for your day. A deposit ensures him a measure of security, if he doesn't require one, then obviously he has Photographs Forever Bridal Supplement of The Canadian Statesman, February 22, A Shower ofGifts... 161 King St. E. Bowmanville 623-2502 not made a binding committment. If possible have a visit with your photographer. You will feel more confident on your wedding day, than if you are dealing with a stranger. Don't be reticent in asking questions about his services. He will be glad to belay any fears you might have. A photographer is the one person at your wedding who can un- obtrusively create harmony in tricky situa- tions. If some circum- stances at your wedding are unusual, because he is not part of your family, he can arrange things objectively without hurting any feelings. For example, at a wedding the bride's parents were divorced, each having a new spouse. To the bride this was accepted but never- the-less traumatic for her because she naturally loved them both. Because the photo- grapher was told of this before the wedding day he was able to keep everyone in a good place, slighting no one in the photographs. There are many ways your photographer can be helpful to you because of his experience with so many weddings, from beginning to the last wave good-bye on your wedding night. Choose him carefully.